Both areas are former industrial areas. Bounded by Yonge Street, Front Street, Parliament Streets and the Canadian National Railway embankment, this neighbourhood has become a popular downtown residential area for investors and professionals in the financial industry. The area has buildings of the Victorian Era as well as popular new condo buildings such as the Gooderham Condominiums in the Distillery District. Several old industrial buildings remain and have been converted into lofts and condos.

One of the most noteworthy buildings is the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, at one time one of the largest distilleries in the world. The Distillery District is home to more than 40 heritage buildings and has been deemed a heritage site approximately covering 13 acres. It offers a pedestrian only village with many unique artists and original boutiques.

One of the neighbourhood’s focal points is the popular St.Lawrence Market. The Market building is located south of Front Street. It is open daily selling food and other items. In the north building, on the north side of Front Street, a world-renowned Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays. Another notable landmark in this area is the Flatiron Building located where Wellington St meets Front Street. It was the first of this type of building constructed in North America in 1892. It is known for its distinct narrow wedge-like shape.

Also along Front Street are many unique shops and restaurants. The area also offers two performing arts centres. One being the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and the other being the Sony Centre for Performing Arts. This area also offers many bike trails and walking trails as well . All in all this is a very unique area promoting arts and culture in a diverse setting.